General Labor Jobs: Everything You Need to Know
If you've ever wondered what working on a construction site or warehouse is like, starting as a general laborer could be your way in. In this blog post, you’ll get a feel for the life of a general laborer by exploring their tasks, pay, and why jumping into the skilled trades game without a ton of experience might be your shortcut to a fantastic and well-paying gig.
What is a General Laborer?
General laborers are the hard-working people who help keep construction sites, warehouses, and factories running smoothly. General laborers perform various duties under the direct supervision of carpenters, masons, and other specialized contractors. They’re counted on to assist their work teams with whatever they need, learning vital skills along the way. Depending on the level of experience and training, they may use tools and equipment such as power drills, grinders, pressure washers, and forklifts. Their responsibilities include tasks such as:
-
Manually moving freight, stock, or other materials.
-
Cleaning and preparing a job site as well as loading and delivering materials.
-
Setting up and taking down ladders, scaffolding, and other temporary structures.
-
Controlling traffic at road construction sites, setting up markers, cones, and barricades, as well as flagging vehicles to control traffic flow.
-
Carrying or lifting heavy objects and squatting, kneeling, bending, or crawling in awkward positions.
How Much Does a General Laborer Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general laborers earned an average of $39,920 in May 2022. Pay depends not only on the industry you work in, your experience level, and who you work for (a full-time employee vs. A contractor) but also on the type of skills you bring to the job site. If you’re reliable, can learn quickly, work well with a team, and have no problem taking direction, you’ll have a better chance of earning more money and getting steady work.
Do You Need Experience to Get a Job as a General Laborer?
Because you’re working under the supervision of a more skilled worker, you don’t need to have any certifications, formal training, or a ton of experience to get started as a general laborer. If you are willing to learn, have physical stamina, and have excellent communication skills, you’re already ahead of the game. As you work more, you’ll gain enough experience and training to be able to use specialized tools and equipment.
Why Should You Consider a Job as a General Laborer?
Because this job doesn’t require previous experience, you can quickly start working in the skilled trades field. If you ever wanted to see what it’s like to work as a skilled tradesperson, getting an assignment as a general laborer is a great place to start. These workers are needed in all sorts of industries, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn about all the great paying careers that don’t need a college degree. It spares you the time and expense of attending a trade school for a job you aren’t sure you’ll even like! Plus, if you work as a general laborer for a staffing agency, you can get a steady stream of work, the opportunity to get paid daily, and the resources you need to do an excellent job.
